Black Lives Matter is the New Civil Rights Movement

Philando Castille- that name brings back the memories of the horror many Americans felt when they heard the tragic news of his death. Brutally, he was slain by a police officer, yet he had done nothing incriminating. He was an outstanding citizen. His death had been brought to the forefront of our national debate on race by his girlfriend live streaming his murder. Even though there was a child present, even though he followed the law, even though he made the officer aware of his legally owned firearm, he still was killed. That is a powerful testament to the treatment of African-Americans in today's’ American society. Despite the fact that American society has changed its perspective on race, there is still a long, complicated, and treacherous road ahead. The fact is race, racism, and the value of black lives must be discussed in society. Just like during the civil rights movement, the media is bringing the issue of the value of black lives to the forefront. The similarity between the civil rights movement and the black lives matter movement is uncanny. This simple yet profound observation should definitely color a person’s perspective on the black lives matter movement and the action that should be taken regarding it.

            In the south during the 1960’s and prior decades, signs stating coloreds only or whites only were a prevalent feature that decorated the landscape. The signs of this moral degradation of society were apparent to everyone. Racism, discrimination, and hate had been woven into the fabric of society. It is similar in this day and age, while the signs are not as apparent as they were in the south. Society as a whole has gotten much better but there are still remnants of the systematic oppression and some of it has altered in practice. Examples of this current systemic racism are mass incarceration, discrimination based on having a “black” sounding name, and police brutality. A recent 2015 study showed that there was a bias against traditionally “black” sounding names according to Howard from the Huffington Post. African-Americans with the similar backgrounds as their white counterparts are still more likely to be unemployed as stated by White from The Atlantic. Even children are not exempt from this systemic oppression, as mentioned in the article “Black Preschoolers Far More Likely To Be Suspended”, African-American Preschoolers are 18% more likely to be suspended. These statistics show racism is still very much a systemic problem that is being addressed by the Black lives matter movement much as it was addressed by the civil rights movement.

            The reality is that apathy is rampant in society, while now people may champion the civil right era.  Most people did little to nothing to add in the process of change. As Martin Luther King Jr. once proclaimed, “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” Apathy had seeped in like a widespread disease, such as it is with the majority of the population now. According to the Pew Center, only 18% of Americans strongly support black lives matter.  Though most American supported the Civil Rights movement, only 19 % were actually willing to participate or support vigorous enforcement of new laws from the 1964 poll done by Opinion Research Incorporated show in Kohut’s article. This passive view causes there only to be a few movers and shakers, making change a longer road. If more people traded in their apathy for a desire for radical change, things in this nation could be reformed very rapidly.

Like during the Civil Rights movement, many people disagree and do not support the black lives matter movement. This is expected due to the fact that the black lives matter movement is the new civil rights movement. Fighting to make sure that people of all colors have equal rights, not simply theoretically, but practically played out in the society in which we live. The main counter argument to the anthem that the black lives matter movement is singing is all lives matter. Disregarding context, this is a very true statement. The postulate with the black lives matter campaign is that of course all lives matter, but society is particularly overlooking black lives in each area: economically, socially, politically, and judicially.  That is why the statement black lives matter speaks volumes. Those three little words say a lot about United States as a society. This simple statement has come across much disagreement. That is appalling.

The cause is urgent. The time is now. The campaign to say black lives matter is ready. The similarities between the civil rights movement and black lives matter are increasingly apparent as time goes on. The fact is the ability to see the similarities in situations become more apparent as time progresses. Currently, the similarities can be seen in three aspects apathy, urgency, opposition, and systemic oppression. It can be said that Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most renowned civil rights leaders. One could wonder what he would think of recent events and the Black lives matter campaign. To use Dr. King’s own words, “They are now committed back to that eternity from which they came. And yet they died nobly. They did not die in vain. God still has a way of wringing good out of evil. And history has proven over and over again that unmerited suffering is redemptive. We must not become bitter, nor must we harbor the desire to retaliate with violence. No, we must not lose faith in our white brothers. Somehow we must believe that the most misguided among them can learn to respect the dignity and the worth of all human personality.” This quote thoroughly illustrates the problem and action that must be taken today. It applies directly to the new civil rights movement, Black lives matter. That simple statement has started the fire that won’t easily burn out until justice rings true for all, because black lives do matter. People should support that.

Bibliography

"Black Preschoolers Far More Likely To Be Suspended." NPR. NPR, 21 Mar. 2014. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. <http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/03/21/292456211/black-preschoolers-far-more-likely-to-be-suspended>.

Horowitz, Juliana Menasce, and Gretchen Livingston. "How Americans View the Black Lives Matter Movement." Pew Research Center RSS. Pew Research Center, 08 July 2016. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. <http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/08/how-americans-view-the-black-lives-matter-movement/>.

Howard, Jacqueline. "New Study Confirms Depressing Truth About Names And Racial Bias." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc, 8 Aug. 2015. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/black-sounding-names-study_us_561697a5e4b0dbb8000d687f>.

Kohut, Andrew. "Despite Mixed Views on Civil Rights in 1965, Americans Largely Supported Selma Marchers." PBS. PBS, 5 Mar. 2015. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. <http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/integration-moved-fast-many-americans-according-1965-poll/>.

McLaughlin, Eliot C. "Woman Streams Aftermath of Fatal Officer-involved Shooting." CNN. Cable News Network, 8 July 2016. Web. 20 Sept. 2016. <http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/07/us/falcon-heights-shooting-minnesota/>.

White, Gillian B. "Education Gaps Don't Fully Explain Why Black Unemployment Is So High." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 21 Dec. 2015. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. <http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/12/black-white-unemployment-gap/421497/>.

http://www.naacp.org/criminal-justice-fact-sheet/

What I asked

Did I ask to be objectified?

Did I ask to be looked at as less than human

Because you find the way my body curves entertaining

Did I ask for you to stare at me earily.

Did I ask for your unwanted gazes and comments

No, I never asked for it.

But I guess I should be happy.

It just means I am attractive,right?

I mean guys are visual, right?

Boys will be boys

Every guy does it.

It’s perfectly normal.

But I did not ask to be objectified?

Why then when I protest?

I am I told that it’s just a guy thing

It’s fine.

I am overreacting

Somehow I believe all this

It doesn’t matter if I asked or not?

Every guy does it.

I begin to justify it all

Even when it escalates

It doesn’t matter what I asked for or didn’t

Every guy does it

Boys will be boys

It’s perfectly normal

Until it isn’t.

But it’s too late then

I believed it all

It doesn’t matter what I asked

Why would it matter now

When it never did

Liberating or limiting : Racial Preference in friendship and dating

Friendships and Relationships can be complicated. I have never been in a relationship, but I do have many friends. From what I have seen relationships are difficult and more complicated than a friendship. Though, for some people there is another thing that complicates the process of gaining friends and/ or a relationship. That is racial preference. I decided to write an article, because I have noticed some people have racial preferences in their friends. While, I can't call each person that does that a racist, because I can't prove they do in all cases. Some people do say that they have racial preferences in friendships and especially dating. I have heard people say I don't date Insert ethnicity girls or guys. Why is this wrong? Don't they have a right to preference one ethnic group over another? It is just preference not actual racism?

A large reason of why racial preference is wrong, because it gives into stereotyping. If you were to ask someone why they only date out of a certain racial group. Generally, they will give you an answer that has to do with stereotyping. Stereotypes are wrong. If we look at them from a christian perspective. We see Christ didn't believe in the stereotypes of his day. He didn't choose to hang out with  a certain type of person, because that is what he was most comfortable with. He went to the tax collectors, Samaritans, and down trodden. He went to those that were stereotyped as being wicked, undesirable, or some other negative label. He chose to be a friend to all. He didn't choose to limit himself by his preference and racial stereotypes. I think that as we seek to attain Christlikeness. We must follow his examples by not giving in to stereotypes and going outside our comfort zone.

Racial preference is very limiting. If you limit the types of people you could date or be friends with based upon ethnicity, you are closing an entire door of wonderful relationships.I personally tend to be the minority most places I go. If I limited myself to just being friends to people who look like me. I wouldn't have as many friends as I do. I wouldn't know as many amazing people that have changed my life for the better. When you choose to have a racial preference, you are missing out.

Racial preference is friendship and dating is wrong especially if you look at the reasons why. You end up losing out on many wonderful people. I hope and know that most of you don't have a racial preference in friendships or dating. Though, I have met people that do. I hope that you can learn from this article to get out of your comfort zone talk to people who are different from you. Don't limit yourself to a small group similar looking, like-minded people. Choose to love people of all colors. That is more liberating than limiting yourself.

Thanks For Reading!!!!

Comment what you thing about this article.

I need feminsim because...

I need feminism because

Women are constantly being objectified no matter how little or how much clothes they wear

Women's bodies are considered "a stumbling block," but men's aren't

It is rare to find a woman or man who is body positive

Rape culture is promoted by the objectifying of women

Rape jokes are not funny

Men are treated like they can't publicly express emotions

A woman who is assertive is seen as aggressive, but a man is not

Men can't be physically abused or raped according to society

Child Marriage happens in the United States and abroad

Women are not paid equally to men

Women deserve respect regardless of their clothing choice.

Modesty is a good policy

Like a girl is an insult

Men and Woman are equal and should be treated as so


************Disclaimer****************
When I say that woman's bodies are considered a stumbling block I am talking about a woman who dresses more revealing is considered a stumbling block. A man who does the same isn't even though he is too.

The day I fear is coming

The day I fear is coming.There is nothing I can do about it. The day when I cease to be a human. The day when I become an object. What day is this? The day I get cat-called. It is the inevitable. It is going to happen at some point in my life. One day as an independent woman choosing to walk down a street by myself in broad daylight. I will get a whistle, an objectifying comment. It will be then I will cease to be a human. Maybe the comment will be. "Hey Baby you got nice legs" like I am a car with a shiny new coat of paint. Or Maybe it will be "Hey girl wait up with sassy walk." The thing is I don't know how I will react. Will I turn and look what could be danger right in the eye and say, "I am not interested. Leave me alone. I am a person that has feelings."  The thing is that could end terribly. He could unrelentingly follow me for blocks. He could yell profanities. Or maybe just leave. The scary part is that I don't know what. It seems that women don't have a right to their own bodies. If a woman decides to wear a short skirt, but doesn't want to go on a date with a random guy on the street. That is false advertising. But maybe I just wore a shorter skirt, because I like the way it looks on me. Why is it crazy to think that a woman is dressing for herself and not for men? A woman has a right to her own body. Society doesn't seem to get that. So let's get that. Women have  a right to their bodies.  I hope one day the day I fear is coming will no longer be for girls in the future. I am hopeful that men will respect women as human beings. Isn't that what feminism is all about? Just people respecting people as humans. So come on let's make a change.

10 Reasons why you should vote for Bernie Sanders

1. He doesn't take money from large corporations and vehemently opposes Citizen's United.

2. He has stood for the civil rights of Minorities since the 1960's and was even jailed in the fight.

3.His economic policies will reduce the debt.

4.His economic policies have been approved by 70 accomplished economists

5.He wants to put more money towards renewable energy

6.He believes black lives matter.

7. He wants to make college more accessible for everyone.

8. He believes women should get paid equally for equal work.

9. He promotes medicare for all.

10. He supports real family values such as providing paid family leave.

Overall Bernie Sanders has a track record of fighting for equal rights and justice in our political system. He is the type of candidate that is truly for the people. He wants our nation to prosper. If you believe in social and economic justice, Join the revolution and vote for Senator and future president Bernie Sanders. #feelthebern

Pro-life means

Pro-Life means so much more than stopping abortion at least to me. I mean it is extremely easy to say well, "I don't support abortion. I am pro-life." But what does it look like to actually live it out. Is it as simple as going on a pro-life march or what? God calls us  to  "6 not rejoice about injustice but rejoice whenever the truth wins out. " (1 Corinthians 13:6) Abortion is a great injustice, but that is not all being pro-life means. Pro means to be in support of and Life means to exist. So when you say you are pro-life you support human existence. That is a tall order. I mean I see a lot of people with a bumper sticker of Facebook post or something else insignificant. What does pro-life mean? What does a person actively seeking out to be in support of human existence look like?

To me Pro-life is so much more than protecting unborn lives. 

Pro-Life is:

Serving at a food pantry

Donating Money 

Adopting a child

Working to pass laws in support of social programs

Standing alongside of single mothers

Being Pro-life is more than just not believing abortion is morally right. It is living a life that is in support of others. God calls us to live this life to love. To love others more than ourselves. That is not something to be taken lightly. There is so much more to pro-life than what meets the eye. Women need to know they are supported so they can be courageous and do what isn't easy; save a life. Pro-life is not simply making abortion illegal. It is being in support of human existence in all of its stages. So next time you say I am pro-life think about what it truly means.